Simple things You Can Do to Improve Your MPG

At some point in your life, you’ve probably pulled up to the gas tank to refuel your car and thought to yourself, “Gee, I feel like I just did this.” With gas prices fluctuating between high and higher, stopping at the gas pumps is something most of us want to try to limit as much as possible. Not only does every stop take a hit on our wallets, but consuming large amounts of fuel is also bad for the environment.

Your car’s gas mileage is calculated in miles per gallon (MPG) and is the average distance in miles that your car can travel on one gallon of gas. The U.S. EPA gives each car on the market three different fuel ratings:

• Highway: MPG is usually higher when your car is on an open stretch of road at relatively consistent speeds and lower revolutions per minute (RPM).
• City: MPG is slightly lower when driving at slower speeds with frequent accelerating and idling.
• Combined: Average MPG for when you’re driving in both highway and city conditions.

To achieve the best possible fuel economy for your vehicle, there are some simple steps you can take to modify your driving habits and make sure that your car is in the best shape possible.

Lose the Lead Foot

Drivers that are heavy on accelerating, braking, and speeding burn through a lot more gas than drivers who take it easy on the gas pedal. Frequent acceleration means your engine works at a higher RPM, which uses more fuel. If you are able to keep your speed steady, you’ll notice the RPM going down and fuel efficiency going up. Likewise, anytime your car goes above 50 mph, your fuel economy takes a dip. Whenever possible, resist the urge to go with the flow of traffic and maintain a slower pace instead.

Travel Lightly

If you’re just taking a quick trip to the grocery store and back, consider leaving things such as your bike rack and cargo carrier at home. Extra weight, even just an additional 100 pounds, can significantly lower your gas mileage. You’d be surprised at how quickly excess gear can add up, so clean out your trunk, remove that overhead cargo rack when not in use, and leave those extra bags and backpacks at home the next time you head out the door.

Reduce Idle Time

It may seem counterintuitive, but your car burns more fuel when it’s sitting than it does when you start it. Cars also release more exhaust pollution while idling versus driving. If you have a newer car, it might be equipped with an automatic stop-start system that automatically turns off your engine when you stop. This feature is a great way to save on gas when it comes to idling without you having to think about it. If your car isn’t equipped with this feature, consider turning your vehicle off anytime you plan on sitting for more than 10 seconds.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

The only time most of us think about our tire pressure is when the tire pressure warning light pops up in our display cluster. While this is definitely something to pay attention to, it’s also important to monitor your tire pressure on a more regular basis. Tires lose a little bit of pressure over time; approximately 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month is normal. However, if your tires start to approach 10 psi under the suggested pressure, your fuel economy will suffer. So, keep a tire gauge handy, and add some air anytime the pressure starts to drop.

Use Cruise Control

Cruise control is a feature that most cars have nowadays. It’s a great way to maintain a constant speed while driving, as it reduces acceleration and deceleration. While cruise control is perfect for when you’re driving on the open road for longer distances, keep in mind that it’s not recommended during certain driving conditions. Specifically, it’s recommended to avoid cruise control in rainy, icy, or snowy conditions; on hilly terrain; and in areas with a lot of traffic. Under the right conditions, cruise control can provide up to a 14% increase in fuel economy.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Rather than waiting for something to go wrong with your car before bringing it into the shop, make sure to bring your vehicle in for regular tuneups to keep everything in proper working order and help reach optimal gas mileage. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, clogged fuel filters, and filthy oil can all contribute to poor gas mileage. Keeping your car maintained will not only help with fuel economy, but you’ll also see an improvement in your car’s overall performance.

Check Your Car’s Alignment

The next time you’re driving on a straight stretch of road, release pressure from your steering wheel for just a few seconds and see whether your car continues to go straight or if it pulls to the left or right. If you notice your car drifting, that’s a clear sign that it’s out of alignment. When cars are even slightly out of alignment, tires will drag in some places instead of rolling freely over the pavement. This has a significant negative impact on fuel economy, so bring your car in to have your tires balanced and rotated regularly.

Attempting to improve your MPG when driving is not only a practical endeavor but is also a smart one. Drivers that pay attention to their driving habits and keep their cars maintained are more likely to make good choices when on the road and keep their cars in good shape for a long time.

If you’re in the Oklahoma City area and want to make sure your car is achieving the best fuel economy possible, schedule a service with us here at Eskridge Lexus today. Our trained service technicians can check your vehicle from front to back to make sure you’re getting the best possible gas mileage every time you set out on the road.

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